Electrical vehicle axle

ABSTRACT

An electric axle for a vehicle including a first support member having a first end, a second end and an intermediate portion supporting a first axle receiver, and a second support member including a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate section supporting a second axle receiver. A torsion member extends between the first support member and the second support member. A first drive unit including a first transmission is mounted to the first support member, and a first electric motor is operatively connected to the first transmission. A second drive unit including a second transmission mounted to the second support member, and a second electric motor is operatively connected to the second transmission.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of PCT/IB2019/000764 filed Jun. 28,2019 and PCT/IB2019/000997 filed Jun. 28, 2019, each of which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/754,353 filed Nov. 1,2018 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/693,599 filed Jul. 3, 2018,each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

INTRODUCTION

The subject disclosure relates to vehicle axles and, more particularly,to an electric axle for a vehicle.

Vehicles have traditionally employed internal combustion engines as asource of propulsion. Currently, there is a trend for vehicles to employalternate sources for propulsion. Many passenger vehicles employ fullelectric, or hybrid electric propulsion systems. Transport vehicles suchas tractor trailers, buses and the like carry heavy loads and thuselectric systems may not be suitable for all applications. The largerthe load, the more power must be delivered to drive wheels. As drivepower requirements increase, so does the need for more powerful electricmotors and batteries to drive the electric motors. Accordingly, it isdesirable to provide a system that can provide desired torque to drive aheavily laden vehicle.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is an electric axle for a vehicle including a first supportmember having a first end, a second end and an intermediate portionsupporting a first axle receiver, and a second support member includinga first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate sectionsupporting a second axle receiver. A torsion member extends between thefirst support member and the second support member. A first drive unitincluding a first transmission is mounted to the first support member,and a first electric motor is operatively connected to the firsttransmission. A second drive unit including a second transmissionmounted to the second support member, and a second electric motor isoperatively connected to the second transmission.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein the firsttransmission defines a two speed transmission including at least onedrive gear and at least two driven gears, one of the at least to drivengears being larger than and positioned outwardly of the other of the atleast two driven gears.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein the firstelectric motor comprises an axial flux motor.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein the secondelectric motor comprises an axial flux motor.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein the firstsupport member is formed from one of steel and iron.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein the firsttransmission includes a first housing formed from a material that isdistinct from steel.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein the firsthousing is formed from aluminum.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein the firstsupport member includes a spring mount.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein the firsttransmission includes a transmission housing that is selectively securedto the first support member through one or more mechanical fasteners.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein each of thefirst and second drive units is selectively removable from correspondingones of the first and second support members allowing first and secondwheels mounted to the electric axle to freely rotate.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein the firstsupport member includes a hinge section.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein a coolantconnection mounted at the hinge section.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein a suspensiontravel sensor mounted at the hinge section.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein aninclination sensor integrated into the first transmission.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein the torsionmember includes a C-shaped cross-section.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein the firsttransmission includes a first transmission shaft operatively connectedto the first electric motor, the first transmission shaft including afirst bearing and a second bearing, the first bearing including a firstback and a first face and second bearing including a second back and asecond face, the first face being arranged opposite the second face.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein the firsttransmission includes a first transmission housing and a firsttransmission shaft, wherein the first electric motor includes a firststator operatively coupled to the first transmission housing and a firstrotor operatively connected to the first transmission shaft.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein the firstrotor includes a first rotor member connected to the first transmissionshaft and a second rotor member coupled to the first transmission shaftspaced from the first rotor member, the first stator being arrangedbetween the first and second rotor members.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein the firsttransmission includes a first transmission housing having a firsttransmission housing member and a second transmission housing member,and a first transmission shaft, a bolt extends through the firsttransmission shaft and mechanically connects the first transmissionhousing member with the second transmission housing member.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein a batteryarranged between the first and second support members and electricallyconnected to at least one of the first and second electric motors.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein each of thefirst transmission and the second transmission includes a shiftingmechanism including a swing fork arranged between a first driven gearand a second driven gear.

The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages ofthe disclosure are readily apparent from the following detaileddescription when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only,in the following detailed description, the detailed descriptionreferring to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a vehicle, in the form of a tractor trailer, including anelectric axle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 depicts a pair of electric axles mounted to a frame of thevehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an electric axle, in accordancewith an aspect of an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 depicts a partially disassembled view of the electric axle ofFIG. 3, in accordance with an aspect of an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 depicts a diagram illustrating a stator/rotor arrangement of anelectric motor of the electric axle, in accordance with an aspect of anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 depicts a plan view of air springs arranged between portions offirst and second electric axles and the vehicle frame, in accordancewith an aspect of an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 depicts a disassembled view of a transmission of the electricaxle, in accordance with an aspect of an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 depicts a portion of an electric axle, in accordance with anaspect of an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 depicts an attachment member for attaching a hinge end of theelectric axle to a frame, in accordance with an aspect of an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 10 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of a transmission shaftof the electric axle, in accordance with another aspect of an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 11 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of a transmission shaftof the electric axle, in accordance with yet another aspect of anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12 depicts a cross-sectional view of a torsion member of theelectric axle, in accordance with an aspect of an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 13 depicts a partial view of a gear and shifter arrangement of theelectric axle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 14 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the gear and shifterarrangement in a neutral configuration, in accordance with an exemplaryaspect;

FIG. 15 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the gear and shifterarrangement in a first drive configuration, in accordance with anexemplary aspect;

FIG. 16 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the gear and shifterarrangement in a second drive configuration, in accordance with anexemplary aspect;

FIG. 17 depicts an electric axle system, in accordance with anotheraspect of an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 18 depicts a top view of the electric axle system of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 depicts a brace member of the electric axle system of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20A depicts the electric axle system of FIG. 17 in a first or lowlevel configuration, in accordance with an aspect of an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 20B the electric axle system of FIG. 17 in a second or drivinglevel configuration, in accordance with an aspect of an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 20C depicts the electric axle system of FIG. 17 in a third or highlevel configuration, in accordance with an aspect of an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 21 depicts a planetary gear set arranged in the electric axle in afirst configuration, in accordance with an aspect of an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 22 depicts a planetary gear set arranged in the electric axle in asecond configuration, in accordance with an aspect of an exemplaryembodiment; and

FIG. 23 depicts a planetary gear set arranged in the electric axle in athird configuration, in accordance with an aspect of an exemplaryembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is notintended to limit the present disclosure, its application or uses. Itshould be understood that throughout the drawings, correspondingreference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

A vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, is indicatedgenerally at 10 in FIG. 1. Vehicle 10 may take the form of a transportvehicle including a tractor portion 14 and a trailer portion 16. Trailerportion 16 may include a frame 18 that supports a plurality of wheels20. As shown in FIG. 2, frame 18 may support a first pair of wheels 22supported by a first electric axle (e-axle) 24 and a second pair ofwheels 28 supported by a second electric axle (e-axle) 30. As will bedetailed herein, first and second e-axles may be selectively operated toprovide an electrically powered motive force to first and second pairsof wheels 22 and 28.

Reference will now follow to FIG. 3 in describing first e-axle 24 withan understanding that second e-axle 30 may include similar structure.E-axle 24 includes a first support member 36 and a second support member38 operatively connected through a torsion member 40. First and secondsupport members 36 and 38 may be formed from steel, iron, cast iron orthe like. In accordance with one exemplary aspect, torsion member 40 maybe selectively configured to accommodate various loads and may include adiameter of between about 60 mm and about 80 mm. First support member 36includes a first end 44, a second end 46, and an intermediate portion 48extending therebetween. First end 44 defines a hinge end 54 having ahinge section 56 which connects to frame 18 as will be detailed herein.Second end 46 defines a first spring mount 58. Intermediate portion 48supports a first axle receiver 60 having a hollow interior (notseparately labeled) for receiving a first axle (also not separatelylabeled).

Second support member 38 includes a first end portion 64, a second endportion 66, and an intermediate section 68 extending therebetween. Firstend portion 64 defines a hinge end 70 having a hinge section 72, andsecond end portion 66 defines a second spring mount 74. Intermediatesection 68 supports a second axle receiver 76 including a hollowinterior (not separately labeled) that receives a second axle (also notseparately labeled).

In an embodiment, first support member 36 supports a first drive unit(not separately labeled) including a first electric motor 80 operativelyconnected to a first transmission 82 and second support member 38supports a second drive unit (also not separately labeled) including asecond electric motor 86 operatively connected to a second transmission88. At this point, it should be understood that first and second springmounts 58 and 74 may be formed from a material that differs from thatused to form first and second support members. In an example, first andsecond spring mounts 58 and 74 may be formed from aluminum. In anembodiment, first and second electric motors are mounted outwardly offrame 18 (FIG. 2) for vehicle 10. First transmission 82 is mechanicallyconnected to the first axle and second transmission 88 is mechanicallyconnected to the second axle as will be detailed herein.

Reference will now follow to FIG. 4 in describing the second drive unitincluding second electric motor 86 and second transmission 88 with anunderstanding that the first drive unit including first electric motor80 and first transmission 82 may include similar structure. Secondtransmission 88 includes a transmission housing 94 (FIG. 3) having afirst transmission housing member 96 and a second transmission housingmember 98. First transmission housing member 96 includes an opening 100that is receptive of a drive shaft 104 that is operatively connected tosecond electric motor 86.

Transmission housing 94 surrounds a drive gear 108 supported by driveshaft 104, a first driven gear 110 and a second driven gear 112. One ormore intermediate gears (not separately labeled) may also be present. Inan embodiment, first driven gear 110 has a diameter that is greater thansecond driven gear 112. First driven gear 110 may also be arrangedoutside of second driven gear 112, e.g., closer to second axle receiver76. In an embodiment, a gear ratio between drive gear 108 and firstdriven gear 110 may be 27:1 and a ratio between drive gear 108 andsecond driven gear 112 may be 13.5:1. Second transmission 88 issupported at intermediate section 68 so as to reduce any spacingrelative to second axle receiver 76.

Reference will now follow to FIG. 5 in describing second electric motor86 with an understanding that first electric motor 80 may includesimilar structure. Second electric motor 86 includes a stator 120 havinga first inner surface 121 and a rotor 122 having a second inner surface123. Rotor 122 is rotatably supported relative to stator 120 through arotor shaft 124 with second inner surface 123 directly facing firstinner surface 121. In this manner, second electric motor 86 takes theform of an axial flux motor 128 with electrical flux passing betweenstator 120 and rotor 122 along an axis of rotation defined by rotorshaft 124. This allows second electric motor 86 to possess a morecompact profile.

In an embodiment, second electric motor 86 includes a motor housing 130(FIG. 4) that may be connected to transmission housing 94 (FIG. 3).Motor housing 130 includes a plurality of mounting holes (not separatelylabeled) that allow second electric motor 86 to be mounted totransmission housing 94 in a variety of configurations. Second electricmotor 86 may also be readily removed from e-axle 24 without affectingoperation of the first pair of wheels 22. That is, if desired, secondelectric motor 86 may be removed thereby allowing first pair of wheels22 to rotate freely without any driving force. Second electric motor 86may be connected to a battery 132, such as shown in FIG. 2. Battery 132may be arranged between first and second support members 36 and 38.Battery 132 may be connected to one, another or both electric motorsassociated with a particular e-axle.

In an embodiment, first and second support members 36 and 38 (FIG. 3)are coupled to frame 18 through first and second air springs 134 and 135such as shown in FIG. 6. A discussion will follow with respect to secondair spring 135 with an understanding that first air spring 134 mayinclude similar structure. Second air spring 135 includes a generallyoval cross-section 138 including a major diameter 140 and a minordiameter 142. In an embodiment, major diameter 140 is about 330 mm andminor diameter 142 is about 270 mm. Of course, it should be understood,that these dimensions may vary. The orientation of first and second airsprings 134 and 135, e.g., that the major diameter is substantiallyparallel to frame 18, provides greater space to accommodate battery 132as seen in FIG. 2.

Reference will now follow to FIG. 7 in describing additional details ofsecond transmission 88. As shown, a shift mechanism 146 is arrangedbetween first driven gear 110 and second driven gear 112. Shiftmechanism 146 may include a sensor assembly 150 having a suspensiontravel sensor, for example, an inclination sensor 152. Of course othertypes of suspension travel sensors may be employed. Sensor assembly 150may also include an anti-lock brake (ABS) sensor 154.

In FIG. 8, second hinge section 72 is shown with an attachment member170. As shown in FIG. 9, attachment member 70 may include a firstmounting ear 172 and a second mounting ear 174 supported by a body 180.First and second mounting ears 172 and 174 may serve as an interfacebetween second support member 38 and vehicle frame 18. Body 180 mayinclude an integrated suspension travel sensor 182 that is operable toprovide feedback to vehicle mounted valves that may inflate or deflateair spring 134 to maintain the desired ride height. Attachment member170 may also define a coolant connector 185 that may support a coolantconduit (not shown) at hinge end 70. Supporting coolant conduits athinge end 70 reduces bending stresses that may occur as a result ofsuspension travel.

FIG. 10 depicts a transmission shaft 230 in accordance with anotherexemplary aspect. Transmission shaft 230 includes an outer surface 232supported by a first bearing 234 and a second bearing 235. Rotor 122 mayinclude a first rotor member 240 and a second rotor member 242 connectedto outer surface 232. First rotor member 240 is spaced from second rotormember 242 forming a gap 244 (not separately labeled). Stator 120extends into the gap 244 to establish the axial flux motor 128.Transmission shaft 230 may include a central lubrication passage 245that delivers lubricant to first and second bearings 234 and 235. Bycoupling first and second rotor members 240 and 242 to outer surface 232the need for separate rotor bearings is removed and first and secondbearings 234 and 235 may be lubricated with transmission oil.

FIG. 11 depicts a transmission shaft 247 extending between firsttransmissions housing member 96 and second transmission housing member98. Transmission shaft 247 is rotatably supported by a first bearing 252and a second bearing 254. A central passage 256 extends throughtransmission shaft 247. Central passage 256 may accommodate a lubricantflow as well as be receptive of a mechanical fastener 260. Mechanicalfastener 260 constrains movement of first transmission housing member 96relative to second transmission housing member 98 so as to maintaindesired gear alignment and increase system stiffness. While shown asextending through transmission shaft 247, it should be understood that amechanical fastener may be passed through any shaft extending betweenfirst and second housing members 96 and 98.

FIG. 12 depicts a torsion member 270 that may connect first and secondsupport member 36 and 38 (FIG. 3). In accordance with an exemplaryaspect. Torsion member 270 includes a C-shaped cross-section 272 definedby a base or first section 274, a first leg section 276 and a second legsection 278. First and second leg sections 274 and 276 are spaced one,from another, forming an opening (not separately labeled). The openingmay face rearward, away from first and second hinge ends 54 and 70.C-shaped cross-section 276 so positioned provides greater bendingstiffness in two directions while keeping the torsional stiffness at aselected threshold.

FIGS. 13-16 depict a shifting mechanism 300 operatively associated withfirst driven gear 110 and second driven gear 112. Shifting mechanism 300includes a swing fork 310 that may be selectively positioned in a firstor neutral configuration (FIG. 14), a first drive configuration (FIG.15), and a second drive configuration (FIG. 16) depending upon speed andtorque requirements of the associated one of first and second e-axles 24and 30. In an embodiment, swing fork 310 includes a swing action thatremains within a circumference of first and second driven gears 110 and112 so as to enable the use of a wide gear profile thereby increasing anoverall torque carrying capacity. Swing fork 310 also enables first andsecond driven gears 110 and 112 to be arranged with minimal spacing.

Reference will now follow to FIGS. 17 and 19, in describing an electricaxle (e-axle) system 398 in accordance with another aspect of anexemplary embodiment. E-axle system 398 is mounted to a frame 400 havinga plurality of wheels 406 that support, for example, a trailer.Plurality of wheels 406 includes a first pair of wheels 410 connected toframe 400 through a first e-axle system 412 and a second pair of wheels414 connected to frame 400 through a second e-axle system 416. It shouldbe understood that frame 400 may take on various forms including, forexample, a truss.

A first pair of bellows or springs 420 connect a forward end (notseparately labeled) of first e-axle system 412 to frame 400. A secondpair of bellows 422 connect a rear end (also not separately labeled) offirst e-axle system 412 to frame 400. Similarly, a first pair of bellowsor springs 428 connect a forward end (not separately labeled) of seconde-axle system 416 to frame 400. A second pair of bellows 430 connect arear end (also not separately labeled) of second e-axle system 416 toframe 400. The use of two pairs of bellows on each e-axle system 412 and416 provides certain suspension advantages for the vehicle.

Reference will now follow to FIGS. 18 and 19 in describing second e-axlesystem 416 with an understanding that first e-axle system 412 includessimilar structure. Second e-axle system 416 includes a first supportmember 432 arranged on a first side (not separately labeled) of frame400 and a second support member 434 arranged on a second side (also notseparately labeled) of frame 400. First support member 433 includes afirst end, and an opposing second end (not separately labeled). Secondsupport member 434 includes a first end portion and an opposing secondend portion (also not separately labeled).

First pair of bellows 428 connect first end and first end portion offirst and second support members 433 and 434 to frame 400. Second pairof bellows 430 connect second end and second end portion of first andsecond support members 433 and 434 to frame 400. In the embodimentshown, first pair of bellows 428 are spaced one, from the other a firstdistance D1. Second pair of bellows 430 are spaced one from the other asecond distance D2 that is distinct from the first distance. In anexemplary aspect, the second distance D2 is greater than the firstdistance D1. The different spacing allows first e-axle system 412 to bepositioned closer to second e-axle system 416.

First e-axle system 412 includes a first brace member 438 and seconde-axle system 416 includes a second brace member 440. First brace member438 may be arranged centrally of first e-axle system 412 and secondbrace member 440 may be arranged centrally of second e-axle system 416.Reference will now follow to FIG. 19, and with continued reference toFIGS. 17 and 18, in describing second brace member 440 with anunderstanding that first brace member 438 may include similar structure.Second brace member 440 includes a first connector 443 and a secondconnector (not shown) that are coupled to frame 400 throughcorresponding first and second bushings (not separately labeled). Thebushings may include elastomeric portions. Second brace member 440 alsoincludes a third connector 447 and a fourth connector 448. Third andfourth connectors 447 and 448 are coupled to second e-axle system 416through corresponding third and fourth bushings (not separatelylabeled). The bushings may include elastomeric portions. Second bracemember 440 provides horizontal and roll stability to frame 400 whilealso ensuring that adequate space is available to support various e-axlesystem components such as batteries (not shown).

First and second pairs of bellows 420, 428 and 422, 430 provide for amore even (front to back) transition between various loading positionsfor frame 400. That is, in contest to a cantilevered systems describedherein, first and second pairs of bellows 420, 428 and 422, 430 promotea more uniform transition between a low position FIG. 20a , a driveposition FIG. 20b , and a high position FIG. 20c which promotes moreeven wear for drive system components. Additionally, first and secondpairs of bellows 420, 428 and 422, 430 enhance ride comfort by providinga fully floating suspension system.

Reference will now follow to FIGS. 21-23 in describing a two speed drivesystem 453 for the vehicle, such as trailer portion 16, in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment. Each pair of wheels, for example firstpair of wheels 410 and second pair of wheels 414 includes a hub 458. Atthis point, it should be understood that the drive system may beincorporated into first pair of wheels 22 and second pair of wheels 28described herein. Hub 458 may be connected to, for example, first e-axlesystem 412 through an axle 461. It should be understood that hub 458 maybe coupled to any of the e-axles described herein. Axle 461 extendsthrough an axle receiver 64 and supports drive system 453.

In an embodiment, drive system 453 include a ring gear 472 that issupported at an end (not separately labeled) of axle 461. Morespecifically, ring gear 472 includes an annular slot (not separatelylabeled) that receives a projection (also not separately labeled)extending radially outwardly of the end of axle 461. Ring gear 472 isoperatively connected to a plurality of planet gears, one of which isindicated at 474 supported by a planet carrier 478. In an embodiment,planet carrier 478 is connected to an inner surface (not also notseparately labeled) of hub 458. Planet gears 474 are operativelyconnected to a sun gear 482 that is supported on the end of axle 461. Agear element 485 is mounted to the inner surface of hub 458. Gearelement 485 selectively engages with ring gear 472. While shown as beingconnected through a sliding groove interface (not separately labeled),it should be understood that sun gear 482 and ring gear 472 mayinterface through a ball bearing arrangement in order to further reducefriction. A geared interface 490 is arranged between axle receiver 464and ring gear 472. Geared interface 490 includes a first gear 500mounted to the end of axle receiver 464 and a second gear 502 mounted toan outer surface 504 of ring gear 472. When engaged, first gear 500locks rotation of ring gear 472 relative to axle receiver 464. It shouldbe understood that while shown as connecting through planet gears 474,hub 458 may connect directly to sun gear 482 through a geared interface.

In an embodiment, under normal highway driving conditions, ring gear 472is engages with gear element 485 to establish a 1:1 gear ratio (FIG.21). If, more torque is desired, such as for climbing a hill, startingon an incline or the like, axle 461 may be shifted radially inwardly(FIG. 22) to engage first gear 500 and second gear 502 of gearedinterface 490 to lock rotation of ring gear 472 (FIG. 23). In thisconfiguration, hub 458 is rotated through an interaction of sun gear 482and planet gears 474 to establish, for example, a 3:1 gear ratio thatprovides increased torque. It should be understood that the particulargear ratios may vary. Coupled with, for example, first transmission 82,two-speed drive system 453 may provide four gear options for operatingtrailer portion 16.

While the above disclosure has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from its scope. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essentialscope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure notbe limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but will include allembodiments falling within the scope thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electric axle for a vehicle comprising: afirst support member including a first end, a second end and anintermediate portion supporting a first axle receiver, and a secondsupport member including a first end portion, a second end portion andan intermediate section supporting a second axle receiver; a torsionmember extending between the first support member and the second supportmember; a first drive unit including a first transmission is mounted tothe first support member, and a first electric motor operativelyconnected to the first transmission, the first transmission includes afirst transmission housing and a first transmission shaft, wherein thefirst electric motor includes a first stator operatively coupled to thefirst transmission housing and a first rotor operatively connected tothe first transmission shaft, the first rotor includes a first rotormember connected to the first transmission shaft and a second rotormember coupled to the first transmission shaft spaced from the firstrotor member, the first stator being arranged between the first andsecond rotor members; and a second drive unit including a secondtransmission mounted to the second support member, and a second electricmotor operatively connected to the second transmission.
 2. The electricaxle of claim 1, wherein the first transmission defines a two speedtransmission including at least one drive gear and at least two drivengears, one of the at least to driven gears being larger than andpositioned outwardly of the other of the at least two driven gears. 3.The electric axle of claim 1, wherein the first electric motor comprisesan axial flux motor.
 4. The electric axle of claim 1, wherein the secondelectric motor comprises an axial flux motor.
 5. The electric axle ofclaim 1, wherein the first support member is formed from one of steeland iron.
 6. The electric axle of claim 5, wherein the firsttransmission includes a first housing formed from a material that isdistinct from steel.
 7. The electric axle of claim 6, wherein the firsthousing is formed from aluminum.
 8. The electric axle of claim 1,wherein the first support member includes a spring mount.
 9. Theelectric axle of claim 1, wherein the first transmission includes atransmission housing that is selectively secured to the first supportmember through one or more mechanical fasteners.
 10. The electric axleof claim 1, wherein each of the first and second drive units isselectively removable from corresponding ones of the first and secondsupport members allowing first and second wheels mounted to the electricaxle to freely rotate.
 11. The electric axle of claim 1, wherein thefirst support member includes a hinge section.
 12. The electric axle ofclaim 11, further comprising: a coolant connection mounted at the hingesection.
 13. The electric axle of claim 11, further comprising: asuspension travel sensor mounted at the hinge section.
 14. The electricaxle of claim 1, further comprising: an inclination sensor integratedinto the first transmission.
 15. The electric axle according to claim 1,wherein the torsion member includes a C-shaped cross-section.
 16. Theelectric axle of claim 1, wherein the first transmission includes afirst transmission shaft operatively connected to the first electricmotor, the first transmission shaft including a first bearing and asecond bearing, the first bearing including a first back and a firstface and second bearing including a second back and a second face, thefirst face being arranged opposite the second face.
 17. The electricaxle according to claim 1, wherein the first transmission includes afirst transmission housing having a first transmission housing memberand a second transmission housing member, and a first transmissionshaft, a bolt extends through the first transmission shaft andmechanically connects the first transmission housing member with thesecond transmission housing member.
 18. The electric axle according toclaim 1, further comprising: a battery arranged between the first andsecond support members and electrically connected to at least one of thefirst and second electric motors.
 19. The electric axle according toclaim 1, wherein each of the first transmission and the secondtransmission includes a shifting mechanism including a swing forkarranged between a first driven gear and a second driven gear.